7 Books About Teamwork That Will Build Community in Your Classroom
Inside: the best books about teamwork and cooperation for kids
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Have you ever felt like you’ve had groups of students who just click? No pointless arguments about someone’s foot being too close to them, no competitive, “I did better than you on my spelling test!”… just, peace and harmony and cooperation? For me, it goes like this. For every year I have a group that just clicks, I have a year with a group who just… doesn’t. The fact is, teamwork and cooperation aren’t always going to come easily to our students - especially if it’s something they’ve never been explicitly taught. That’s why no matter what group of kids I have, I like to start my year with lots - and I mean lots - of conversation, videos, targeted lessons, and read alouds about teamwork.
A read aloud is one of my favorite way to introduce social emotional skills to my students. They’re engaging, funny, and it’s just downright enjoyable to share read-aloud time with littles - not to mention the added benefits of building literacy skills and modeling fluency. Below you’ll find my favorite books about teamwork!
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The Best Books About Teamwork for Kids
“Swimmy”
by Leo Lionni
Swimmy is a beautifully illustrated story about a school of fish who, with the help of Swimmy, learn that teamwork and cooperation are the keys to overcoming the dangers in the sea, so they can fully enjoy its beauty.
“Oliver’s Tree”
by Kit Chase
Your students will love this sweet story about these animal friends. Oliver, Charlie, and Lulu love playing together - especially their favorite game - hide and seek! But when Oliver isn’t able to hide in the trees like this friends, they must work together to find a solution that works for everyone.
“The Golden Acorn”
by Katy Hudson
Squirrel is used to winning the annual Golden Acorn Hunt, but this year, the rules are different. This year it’s a team event, and that means Squirrel must work together with Turtle, Beaver, and Rabbit in order to win. He is NOT excited about this change because he likes to win and knows his friends will only slow him down. Squirrel will have to learn how to be part of a team in order to succeed.
“Max and Marla Are Flying Together”
by Alexandra Boiger
Max and Marla are the best of friends. They do everything together, but when Max wants to fly a kite, he can’t understand why Marla doesn’t want to fly with it, too. Little does Max know, Marla is actually afraid of flying. She and Max work together to overcome her fears and learn that it’s always easier to do something tough with a friend by your side.
“Stone Soup”
by Jon J Muth
This is a classic story with a twist. In this version, three monks approach a village that has been though hard times. The villagers are untrusting of others, even the other people in their village. They work hard, but only for themselves. That is, until the monks suggest that they come together to make Stone Soup. All of the villagers come together to contribute what they have and they end up with a huge feast! They learn that they are stronger when they work together, and that everyone has something unique to contribute.
“Duck & Goose”
by Tad Hills
Duck and Goose come across a polka-dotted ball and mistake it for an egg. They must work together as a team to care for the “egg” - and some shenanigans ensue. Your students will love this cute little story about teamwork, cooperation, and friendship.
“The Juice Box Bully”
by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
This story tackles so many social emotional concepts. Pete is new to school and is starting off on the wrong foot. Even though the other kids try to include him, he is downright mean to them. He ends up targeting one girl and becoming a bully to her. Instead of becoming by-standers, the rest of the class comes together as a team to let Pete know that’s not how they treat each other in their class. This book is also a great opportunity to discuss empathy and process the why behind Pete’s behavior.
More Teamwork Resources
Teamwork Mini-Lesson
I find that students do best with a new social emotional concept when I explicitly teach what it looks like within and outside of the classroom. But who has time to squeeze these lessons into their busy day? That’s why I put together these Bite-Size mini lessons that can be taught in 10-15 minute chunks! Take a look below!
Teamwork QR Codes
These QR codes are another great way to fit in character education lessons when you’re short on time. Print the QR code cards, tape them up around the room, and have students scan them whenever they have a free minute. These work well as a morning activity or an activity early finishers!
Teamwork Parent Letter
The home-to-school connection is so important, and your parents want to know what their kids are learning! These parent letters are perfect for copying onto the back of your weekly newsletter to keep parents informed about what skills their kids are learning at school and how they can help them be successful with these skills at home!
